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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
West Coast Amalgamation Plan Wins More Support, As Buller Remains Outside
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:52 am | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The move comes as the August 9 deadline for submitting amalgamation proposals to the Government's Head Start process approaches. More >>
Amalgamation Cost Will Be Borne By Ratepayers - Kaikōura Council Boss
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:46 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council has approved its draft merger proposal with the Marlborough District Council, but is also counting the cost. More >>
Tekapo Residents Asked To Dob In Accommodation Rule-Breakers
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:42 am | Claire Taylor - Local Democracy Reporter
With just 315 permanent households, short-term accommodation is increasingly dominating Tekapo’s residential areas, causing problems for the local population. More >>
Canadian Cash En Route For Porirua Adventure Park, To Open In February 2028
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:38 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The project to build the park – with attractions like a gondola, dual zipline, an indoor surf and restaurant on top of the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob – had floated around for almost a decade. More >>
'We Don’t Want To Be Part Of A Super City': King Country Council Proposed
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:35 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
Ōtorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow told Local Democracy Reporting the vote was not a final decision, but rather an indication of where Ōtorohanga and Waitomo want to be in the future. More >>
Paul Henry Rates ACT’s Kaikōura Chances In Visit To True Blue Marlborough
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:22 am | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
When Local Democracy Reporting asked him to clarify that statement, again directly in front of ACT Kaikōura candidate Tom Spooner, Henry doubled down. More >>
South Waikato Backs Western Unitary Authority Proposal
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:18 am | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
At South Waikato District Council’s July 30 meeting, elected members voted 9-2 in favour of the Western Unitary Authority. More >>
Hawke's Bay Coastal Road Closed To Vehicles Due To Camp Closure
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:14 am | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The 90-year-old camp was abruptly closed and evacuated on February 20, 2026, after the council commissioned a preliminary geotechnical assessment of the camp No 1 site. More >>
Union Worried As Nelson Council Shake-Up Impacts Dozens Of Staff
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:10 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The Public Service Association said that “almost all” of its 160 members at the council were impacted in some way by the organisational changes that affected 19 of 22 business units. More >>
The Next Phase Of Horowhenua's $50 Million Water Project Begins
Monday, 10 August 2026, 6:04 am | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Bernie Wanden said it was vital to have “safe, reliable drinking water” and dependable infrastructure as the community grew. More >>
Poll Shows Labour Ahead At Kāpiti Electorate
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:37 am | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kāpiti electorate – created by the Representation Commision last year when it adjusted electorate boundaries – succeeded the classic bellwether seat Ōtaki, keeping most of its territory. More >>
Councillor Questions 'Underspend' On Waste And Stormwater Infrastructure
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:33 am | Imogen Brophy - Local Democracy Reporter
The financial report showed the council was expected to finish the financial year with a $66 million operating surplus, higher than expected. More >>
Wairarapa Councils Split Over Future
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:29 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
On Wednesday morning, Masterton District Council voted by a majority to submit a Wairarapa Unitary Authority proposal to the Government’s Head Start pathway, following Carterton’s lead. More >>
Consent Declined For 129-Lot Subdivision, Appeal Planned
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 9:00 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Concerns were raised about potential impacts on stormwater, flooding, traffic, cultural, ecology, rural character and infrastructure capacity. More >>
Panels And Paddocks: How Effective Solar Farm Sheep Grazing Really Is
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 8:46 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Energy giant Meridian has consent to build 230,000 solar panels in Morrinsville, and sheep will be grazing under and between panels to maximise land productivity. More >>
‘Bent Over Backwards’: New Eastern Waikato Bloc Says Government Should Accept Merger
Thursday, 6 August 2026, 8:41 am | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Wellington should listen according to Matamata-Piako district council mayor Ash Tanner, who says local councils have “bent over backwards” and “pandered” to the Government over the past three months. More >>
Referendum Needed To Back Local Government Structures, Says Wellington Regional Council
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 6:55 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
It came on the same day, the Kāpiti Coast District Council formally requested to change the regional proposal to have its own authority. More >>
‘Bullsh*t’ – Hiked Bills Squeeze Tasman Ratepayers
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:39 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Shocking, ridiculous, and disgusting are just some of the words used on a Facebook thread discussing the hikes to rates bills. More >>
Will Auckland's Food Grade Posters Disappear From Eateries?
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:34 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
Auckland Council’s governing body voted on Tuesday to let the Food Safety Information Bylaw lapse next year. More >>
West Coast Leaders Snub Denniston Mine Petition
Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 3:30 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
The petition asked that the plateau instead be designated as a scientific reserve, as Forest and Bird says the area is home to unique ecosystems and critically endangered species. More >>
